IDONEA Already I've been punished to the height Of my offence. [Smiling affectionately.] I see you love me still, The labours of my hand are still your joy; Bethink you of the hour when on your shoulder I hung this belt. [Pointing to the belt on which was suspended HERBERT'S scrip.] MARMADUKE Mercy of Heaven! [Sinks.] IDONEA What ails you? [Distractedly.] MARMADUKE The scrip that held his food, and I forgot To give it back again! IDONEA What mean your words? MARMADUKE I know not what I said--all may be well. IDONEA That smile hath life in it! MARMADUKE This road is perilous; I will attend you to a Hut that stands Near the wood's edge--rest there to-night, I pray you: For me, I have business, as you heard, with Oswald, But will return to you by break of day. [Exeunt.] ACT IV SCENE--A desolate prospect--a ridge of rocks--a Chapel on the summit of one--Moon behind the rocks--night stormy--irregular sound of a bell--HERBERT enters exhausted. HERBERT That Chapel-bell in mercy seemed to guide me, But now it mocks my steps; its fitful stroke Can scarcely be the work of human hands. Hear me, ye Men, upon the cliffs, if such There be who pray nightly before the Altar. Oh that I had but strength to reach the place! My Child--my Child--dark--dark--I faint--this wind-- These stifling blasts--God help me! [Enter ELDRED.] ELDRED Better this bare rock, Though it were tottering over a man's head, Than a tight case of dungeon walls for shelter From such rough dealing. [A moaning voice is heard.] Ha! what sound is that? Trees creaking in the wind (but none are here) Send forth such noises--and that weary bell! Surely some evil Spirit abroad to-night Is ringing it--'twould stop a Saint in prayer, And that--what is it? never was sound so like A human groan. Ha! what is here? Poor Man-- Murdered! alas! speak--speak, I am your friend: No answer--hush--lost wretch, he lifts his hand And lays it to his heart-- (Kneels to him.) I pray you speak! What has befallen you? HERBERT (feebly) A stranger has done this, And in the arms of a stranger I must die.